A vibrant and proud maritime and trading city situated among the seven mountains founded in 1070 and named Bjørgvin, «the green meadow among the mountains». Bergens proud legacy is easily visible in the city and among its people. Bryggen, the old wharf and now a UNESCO heritage area and a member of the Norwegian Cultural Heritage Act, is part of the Hanseatic period from 14th to the mid 16th century. The city has a strong international flair.

Bergen is also an university city and this gives the city a vitality all year round. The Bergen School of Meteorology was developed at the Geophysical Institute founded in 1917, the Norwegian School of Economics was founded in 1936, and the University of Bergen in 1946.

The annual Bergen International Festival is the main cultural festival, and with the well established Bergen International Film Festival, the cultural scene has been strengthened. Two internationally renowned composers from Bergen are Edvard Grieg and Ole Bull. Grieg’s home, Troldhaugen, has been converted to a museum.

Bergen has a mild winter climate and the mountains protect the city from cold winds from the north, north-east and east. Bergen can during summer be 20 degrees warmer than Oslo even though both cities are at about 60 degrees north.